068 – Brassica oleracea – The Dog of the Plant World

Did you know that broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage are all the same species? Just like dogs are highly-diverse members of the same species descended from a common ancestor, the members of Brassica oleracea also share a common genetic origin. In this episode I’m joined by Dr. J. Chris Pires and his graduate students Makenzie Mabry and Shawn Abrahams from the University of Missouri. We discuss the genetic origins of these crops, their evolution and genetic improvement trends.

Communication About Innovation

The safe and powerful technologies of genetic engineering have had tremendous impacts in agriculture and medicine. However, future innovation and deployment of beneficial technologies are slowed by a lack of understanding. The point of this podcast is to help connect the public to current science and technology, and let scientists tell the stories of how science can help our farmers, industrialized world consumers, the environment, and the Developing World. The hope is that this resource can entertain and explain how new tools can improve food security, reduce poverty, and improve agricultural and medical practices.

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The content of the website and podcasts are the personal views of Kevin M. Folta and his guests, and may not represent the positions of the University of Florida or the Horticultural Sciences Department, including their employees, faculty and students.